Oshogatsu preparation checklist 2027 Japan: cleaning, decorations, food, and traditions

The Japanese New Year (Oshōgatsu) is the most significant celebration in Japan, and preparing for it in advance is essential to welcome 2027 with harmony and tradition. This Oshogatsu preparation checklist 2027 Japan will help you organize every detail, from the year-end deep cleaning (ōsōji) to decorations (kadomatsu), traditional food (osechi), rituals, and the first temple visit (hatsumōde). Use this list in Foco to ensure nothing is overlooked and enjoy the festivities stress-free.

Why this checklist is essential for Oshōgatsu 2027

In Japan, Oshōgatsu preparations begin weeks before December 31, with tasks symbolizing purification, renewal, and good fortune. Deadlines are tight: decorations are placed starting December 13 (after kōhaku), osechi is ordered months in advance or prepared at home, and temples fill up from midnight on January 1. This checklist is designed for residents in Japan (or those celebrating there), with real steps and local customs, such as reserving osechi at department stores or buying ingredients for toshikoshi soba at supermarkets with special holiday hours.

In Foco, create a 'work' called 'Oshōgatsu 2027' and assign each task with realistic due dates. Use the Kanban view to group them by category (cleaning, decorations, food, rituals) or the Calendar view to track key deadlines, like December 28 (the ideal day to place kadomatsu) or December 31 (hatsumōde night).

• Reserve osechi ryōri at a department store (Isetan, Mitsukoshi) or order it from a traditional restaurant before December 20
• Purchase ingredients for toshikoshi soba (noodles, dashi broth, green onions) at a local supermarket before December 30
• Plan the menu for the December 31 dinner (including ozōni, kamaboko, and other traditional dishes) and make a shopping list
• Conduct the year-end deep cleaning (ōsōji): divide the house into zones (genkan, kitchen, tatami, windows) and assign a day to each before December 28
• Discard broken or unnecessary items (kuchisake) and donate usable clothing or utensils to community recycling centers
• Buy New Year decorations: kadomatsu (bamboo and pine), shimekazari (sacred rope), and kagami mochi (rice cake) at a local market or religious goods store before December 28
• Place the kadomatsu at the entrance of the house (left side when viewed from outside) and the shimekazari on the front door on December 28 (avoid December 29, considered unlucky)
• Prepare the household altar (kamidana) with offerings: sake, rice, salt, and mochi, and clean it thoroughly before December 31
• Handwrite or order New Year’s cards (nengajō) at a stationery store and mail them before December 25 to arrive by January 1
• Purchase money envelopes (otoshidama) for children and prepare amounts based on age (5,000–10,000 JPY per envelope)
• Plan the first temple visit (hatsumōde): choose a nearby shrine or temple (Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari in Kyoto) and check special hours for January 1
• Prepare traditional clothing for hatsumōde (kimono or hakama) or buy a new set if needed
• Buy incense and coins for temple offerings (100 JPY or 500 JPY) before December 31
• Check the local festivities calendar (such as ōmisoka in Kyoto or joya no kane at Buddhist temples) and note event times
• Prepare for mochitsuki (mochi-making ceremony) if doing it at home: rent a mortar (usu) and buy glutinous rice before December 28
• Clean and organize the genkan (entrance) to welcome guests during the first days of the year, including new slippers for visitors
• Verify public transportation schedules for January 1 (many trains and buses have reduced service) and plan alternative routes
• Prepare an emergency kit for hatsumōde: umbrella, hand warmers (kairo), and water in case of long lines at the temple